A Rochester man was arrested Monday for allegedly threatening to assault, kidnap, or murder federal law enforcement officers with the intent to impede, intimidate, or interfere with officers while they are working or with intent to retaliate against them. If convicted, 27-year-old Eric Anthony faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Everardo A. Rodriguez, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on April 18, 2024, Anthony sent an email to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, criticizing federal gun laws and the actions of multiple federal and local law enforcement agencies, including the ATF, FBI, HSI, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Rochester Police Department. The email also included threats to murder law enforcement officers. The email stated that if anything happened to Anthony or his family, “then I am left no choice to impose my ‘hellish strategic move.’” The complaint further states that Anthony followed up his email with a fax to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. The fax included much of the same information that was included in the ATF email.
“Any and all threats to harm or injure any member of our law enforcement community are taken seriously,” stated U.S. Attorney Ross. “I commend the collaboration and teamwork that went into locating and arresting this defendant, who was prepared to act on the threats he made, which could have resulted in deadly consequences for the men and women whose mission it is to protect our communities and its citizens.”
“This recent arrest serves as a reminder that serious threats of violence will not be tolerated,” stated ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller. “The suspect was found to be illegally stockpiling weapons capable of carrying out the repeated threats of violence he had made against law enforcement. Thanks to the decisive actions of the ATF NY Rochester Violent Crime Task Force, this individual is now being held accountable for his actions. We commend the efforts of the Rochester Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of NY for their collaboration in bringing this individual to justice.”
“Federal task forces augment local agencies with specialized investigative resources and open pathways for federal prosecution,” said Matthew Miraglia, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office. “Thanks to these efforts and partnerships with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, ATF, and other federal, state, and local agencies, the FBI continues to be successful in combatting potential threats and protecting our communities.”
“At a time when individuals are violently attacking law enforcement, costing us so dearly just this past week, this person posed a targeted threat to those serving,” said Sheriff Todd K. Baxter. “The diligent teamwork of these law enforcement partners in preempting any harm and safely taking him into custody is to be commended.”
“This is another example of the partnerships that exist in Rochester law enforcement that work towards keeping our city safe,” stated Rochester Police Chief David Smith. “The work of the violent crime task force to safely take this dangerous individual into custody is truly remarkable.”
Anthony made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and is being held pending a detention hearing on April 23, 2024, at 12:30 p.m.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Bryan Miller, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office under the direction of Sherriff Todd Baxter, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith.
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